Egypt in July offers a unique blend of scorching sun, rich history, and vibrant culture. While temperatures soar, so do the opportunities for unforgettable experiences. Despite Egypt’s scorching July temperatures, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences awaiting travelers who plan wisely. Traveling to Egypt in July can be incredibly rewarding - if you prepare wisely. With soaring temperatures and intense sun, knowing how to adapt is key to enjoying your adventure safely and comfortably.
Egypt in July is a land of extremes - searing sun, cloudless skies, and dry heat define the landscape. Here is our complete guide to the weather in Egypt in July.
The weather in Egypt in July at a glance:
- Brace yourself for average temperatures of 77-100°F (25-38°C).
- It's scorching everywhere, but the coast is a bit more bearable.
- In particular in Luxor and Aswan: the heat can be intense during the day.
- A fantastic time to hit the Red Sea beaches or diving.
- Not many tourists brave the heat, so it's great for budget travelers looking for deals.
Egypt is more than three times the size of New Mexico, has an impressive seven UNESCO-listed sites, and is home to the biggest archaeological museum in the world-which makes it a great place to visit with a lot of planning required. If Egypt and its wonders are on your travel wish list, check out our team’s expert tips for what to experience when you travel to Egypt.
When you travel with us, we’ll take the stress of planning your itinerary and flights off your plate, while leaving you free time to check personal must-sees off of your bucket list.
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Is July a Good Time to Visit Egypt?
July is one of the hottest months in Egypt, especially in the southern regions where temperatures can soar. Sightseeing during the peak midday heat is not for the faint-hearted, but early mornings and late afternoons offer some respite. Tourist numbers for this reason are very low, and accommodation costs drop. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest times to visit. The Red Sea beach resorts still draw those looking for lower rates and clear waters.
Expert Tip: Start sightseeing early - by 6-7 AM - to beat the midday heat.
Absolutely, Most major tourist sites - from the Giza Pyramids to Abu Simbel - remain fully operational year-round.
Egypt’s summer season is also often referred to as the scorching season, and for good reason. By the time July arrives, you can expect average daytime temperatures in Cairo ranging from 29 to 34 degrees Celsius (84.2 to 93.2 F), with occasional highs of 39 or even 40 degrees Celsius (102.2 / 104 F). The further south you travel, to places like Aswan, Luxor, and Abu Simbel, the more likely you are to encounter these higher temperatures. Now you know why exploring Egypt’s many historical sites, such as the Pyramids of Giza and the many ancient temples and tombs that line the banks of the Nile River in Upper Egypt is not for everyone.
So, is July a good time to visit Egypt? Only you can answer that question. As we mentioned right at the very beginning, visiting Egypt in July, or at any other point during the country’s summer season, can actually be advantageous if you can tolerate the heat. Egypt’s summer is right in the heart of the low tourist season, which is the ideal time for anyone who wants to find money saving deals. You can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, particularly if you are traveling as a family. Just bear in mind that price increases can occur at any time of the year.
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If you want to avoid large crowds of tourists at popular archaeological sites, then July is definitely an excellent time to visit Egypt. You will still see tourists at major sites, but certainly not many of them. This is good news when it comes to taking photographs. During the peak tourist season which runs from December to February, taking good photographs at popular tourist sites is virtually impossible because of the crowds.
There's no getting around the fact that Egypt is extremely hot in July. Temperatures in the central and southern parts of the country near Luxor and Abu Simbel, for example, can sometimes surpass 107°F during the midday heat. For many people, this makes it too hot to enjoy a vacation. However, it's not like this everywhere in the country. The coasts are only slightly hotter, experiencing daytime temperatures of about 98 to 99°F and evening lows of roughly 78°F.
Despite the heat throughout the country, July is a fantastic time to visit Egypt due to the significant drop in tourist numbers. Although the Pyramids of Giza and major tourist attractions always have some degree of overcrowding, it's negligible compared to the winter months-yet it's still just as beautiful as any other time of year. Not only that, the costs go down as well.
Egypt is generally safe for tourists, and summer doesn’t change that.
With smart planning - early starts, midday rests, hydration, and the right gear - you’ll not only survive Egypt’s July climate, you’ll thrive in it.
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Average daily temperatures in July:
- Cairo: Highs around 95°F (35°C) during the day, cooling down to 73°F (23°C) at night.
- Luxor and Aswan: Highs around 106°F (41°C) and lows of 77°F (25°C).
- Hurghada: Highs of 93°F (34°C) and lows of 77°F (25°C).
As usual, Egypt is dry as a bone, with no rainfall across the country. Daylight stretches to nearly 14 hours, but you’ll want to plan your outdoor activities early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the sweltering midday heat.
Things to Do in Egypt in July
Planning a trip to Egypt? You'll want to factor in the weather and what makes this month unique when planning your itinerary. If your looking for more inspiration, see what made our list of the best things to do in Egypt year-round.
The Sinai Peninsula is the place to be in Egypt during July. The temperatures are lower and the ocean offers a breeziness that takes the edge off the scorching heat. Plus, you'll be able to spend your days swimming in the sea, snorkeling, sea kayaking, and doing other water-based activities that make you forget how hot the air is. Even better, the crowd sizes are be practically half what they are during other times of the year. You'll be able to sip cocktails at the pool bar without swarms of people hogging up the lounge chairs or crowding out your photo.
Cairo is another great option. There, you'll find some of the country's most significant cultural ruins (i.e. Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, etc.) with fewer crowds-and the weather is cooler, too. If you go early enough in the morning, the heat won't be unbearable and you can duck into an air-conditioned cafe during the lunch hour or take a dip in the pool to escape the hottest part of the day.
Central and southern destinations such as Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel are often intolerably hot in July, making it a less-than-ideal time for a visit. However, if you have your heart set on seeing some of the historical sites in those places, book a cruise on the Nile River. You'll have a slight breeze on the water to temper the heat and when it gets too hot, you can hide out in your air-conditioned cabin. (Just make sure you check that the boat has A.C.
Consider these activities to make the most of your July visit:
- The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa in Alexandria: Escape Alexandria’s July heat by heading down into the cool, eerie depths of the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. This ancient subway burial site blends Egyptian, Roman, and Greek influences, and is a fascinating place to explore.
- Alexandria National Museum: With the city’s sweltering July temperatures, the Alexandria National Museum is a perfect spot to beat the heat. Located in a beautifully restored Italian-style palace, it’s filled with artifacts from Egypt’s Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, and Islamic periods.
- Visit the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo: When Cairo’s heat is overwhelming, step into the air-conditioned Museum of Islamic Art for a cool break. You’ll find intricately designed textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and manuscripts from across the Islamic world. The museum’s restoration after a 2014 bombing is impressive, and the spacious, well-lit galleries make it easy to appreciate the centuries-old craftsmanship.
- Enjoy snorkeling and diving in Marsa Alam: Situated on the Red Sea coast, Marsa Alam is a quieter alternative to Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh, with stunning coral reefs and vibrant marine life. The warm waters are ideal for exploring sites like the Dolphin House Reef and Elphinstone Reef.
The Red Sea offers myriad activities in July. Check out the coastal towns of Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada for beautiful resorts with glistening white sand beaches and crystal blue infinity pools. These higher-end destinations offer plenty of opportunities for pampering and relaxation with things like massages and spa services. Dahab is another great, more affordable option with nice hotels alongside the lower cost, backpacker-style accommodations. All three towns offer snorkeling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, surfing, and swimming in the ocean.
Head to Cairo to check out the famed Pyramids of Giza, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Soak up the intrigue of the Great Sphinx, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Or, swing by the Egyptian Museum to view more than120,000 historical artifacts.
If you opt to head south to Luxor or Aswan, try a Nile River cruise to mitigate the hot temperatures (which can hit 107°F in the middle of the day).
Morning tours are a must.
Of course, no trip to Egypt is complete without a cruise down the Nile River, so hop aboard to boat past some of the country’s most famous sites on our Egypt & Nile River Cruise.
Is July a good time to visit Egypt for a Nile Cruise? Most good quality Nile River cruises include quite a bit of sightseeing in the form of onshore excursions. With the above having been said, most excursions take place early in the morning and/or in the late afternoon. Nearly all of the modern ships that provide cruises on the River Nile have swimming pools, so you can always go for a dunk or a swim when you need to cool down. Of course, if you start to feel too hot out on deck, you can also head indoors to enjoy some air-conditioned comfort.
Is July a good time to visit Egypt for desert excursions and other outdoor activities? In our opinion, summer is definitely not the best time for Sahara Desert excursions, or any other sort of outdoor adventures or activities.
Egypt’s Red Sea coastline and South Sinai coastline are home to several excellent beach resorts, including places like Sharm el-sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam.
Egypt’s Red Sea coastline has some of the world’s finest scuba diving and snorkeling sites. There are literally hundreds of pristine coral reefs and even a number of shipwrecks which divers can explore.
If you just want to enjoy quality relaxation time on some beautiful sandy beaches, be sure to look for beaches that provide access to shade even if it’s only in the form of sun umbrellas.
Whether you want to visit and explore Egypt’s ancient pyramids, temples and tombs, or whether you just want a relaxing break, we can make your dream trip come true.
The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April, when temperatures are cooler, but still pleasantly warm across the country. This makes exploring the busy streets of Cairo, visiting the Pyramids in the desert, and exploring ancient Pharaonic tombs more comfortable and enjoyable. The summer season (May to September) is hot, although the high temperatures are alleviated by very dry air, air conditioning, far fewer visitors and lower prices. This means summer is still a viable season for your trip.
July in Egypt isn’t just about battling the heat - it’s also a time to witness vibrant national pride and experience authentic local culture.
Public Celebrations: Major cities like Cairo and Alexandria light up with patriotic displays.
Official Ceremonies: Held in key government areas, these ceremonies honor Egypt’s military and political history.
Tourists visiting in July often have a more intimate cultural experience because events are smaller, more local, and less crowded.
Festivals and Events in Egypt in July
- El Gouna Summer Festival: Red Sea resort town hosts cultural events, concerts, and activities for locals and tourists throughout summer.
- Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theater: Showcases innovative theatrical productions from Egypt and abroad, pushing boundaries of performance art.
- Eid al-Adha: A major Islamic vacation honoring prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. Beginning in late July, Egyptians Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha (also called Eid Qurban), one of two major annual religious holidays.
Here is a suggested itinerary:
Cairo, Giza, & Alexandria - 5 Days: This five-day trip is a great option for July because it skips the hottest parts of the country in favor of the cooler northern destinations. You'll begin in Cairo where you'll take in the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza (including an evening visit for the famous Sound and Light Show), along with in-town sites such as the Egyptian Museum. You'll take a day trip to Alexandria for the Catacombs of Kom El Shoukafa, the Citadel of Fort Qaitbe, the Morsi Abu Alabas Mosque, and the Library of Alexandria.
Egypt has a wealth of ancient temples, local delicacies, and more to choose from, and we’re here to help you craft your wish list.
Table: Average Temperatures in Egypt During July
| City | High (°F) | Low (°F) | High (°C) | Low (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo | 95 | 73 | 35 | 23 |
| Luxor | 106 | 77 | 41 | 25 |
| Aswan | 106 | 77 | 41 | 25 |
| Hurghada | 93 | 77 | 34 | 25 |
Essential Tips for a July Trip to Egypt
Packing smartly for Egypt in July can make the difference between a challenging trip and a comfortable, memorable adventure.
Be Cautious with Street Food: In extreme heat, food safety becomes crucial.
That brings us to one of our best travel tips for Egypt: It’s a good idea to keep $1 bills (USD) on hand for tipping and small purchases throughout your tour. dollar is also widely accepted.
Etiquette insight: Tipping is expected everywhere when you travel to Egypt. It’s called “baksheesh” and is an important part of the culture. Egyptians believe in giving small tips to everyone from bathroom attendants to tour guides to someone taking a photo for you.
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